Whether your situation calls for a short nap or an overnight slumber, this sleep guide will give you the essential information needed to prepare you for sleeping in Denver Airport.
Our guide is updated with the help of airport sleepers who tell us about their experiences at Denver Airport. If you have a tip or photos to share, please take a moment to write a review to help us keep this sleep guide up-to-date!
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Sleeping inside Denver Airport
Locations & Seating
The spacious airport has a lot of seating areas, both pre- and inside Security, though most seats and benches are equipped with armrests. If you do find an armrest-free bench, go for it! At night, you should have no problem finding an empty gate or corner for some privacy, particularly if you’re willing to sleep on the floor. Much of the floor is carpeted, but an extra layer can provide added cushion. In each of the three concourses, the upper levels have little foot traffic and may even have a few armrest-free benches.
Here are a few sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- In Concourse A, you will also find 8 recliner-like massage chairs near the end of the concourse in the center. On the 3rd floor (mezzanine), across from the entrance to the lounges, there are some resting chairs and a variety of full flat twin bed style mini beds!
- In Concourse C, near Gates C26-28, there are some curved couches that you may be able to spread out on, but one reader tells us they are as hard as rock.
- Terminal A, Kudos to Denver airport officials for installing a rest area!
- In the pre-Security Jeppesen Terminal, there are several armrest-free benches in the middle of it all, but the lights do stay bright here.
Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Temperature
At the time of this update, we have not received reports from travellers related to terminal temperature. One reader tells us the mezzanine area in concourse A is very warm. Still, you can likely expect the airport to cool down at night, as air conditioning continues to run and fewer people are inside. Arrive prepared with a blanket or even a sleeping bag. A hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder.
Lighting
In general, the bright airport lights are dimmed at night, particularly at gates that are unused. The upper level in all 3 Concourses also have dark corners, if you prefer more privacy. Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel, as reviews are definitely mixed as to where and if the lights are dimmed.
Noise
Travellers report that the noise can be a bit of a challenge. By day, you have the standard ambient noise of airport announcements, travellers chatting, and boarding calls. At night, announcements continue and TVs stay on. Ongoing construction also contributes to a challenging sleep. One reader tells us “The noise is currently quite bad due to construction inside the terminal which produced loud and echoing sounds.” (July 2019) It’s best to be prepared with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones just in case.
Pro-tip: If you chose a spot near any eateries, keep in mind that the staff arrive early and they can get pretty loud in the kitchen.
Weather Delays
Denver Airport sees more than its fair share of flight cancellations due to bad weather, particularly with winter snowstorms, but this means they are more prepared than other airports. When mass cancellations happen at Denver Airport, cots are available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room.
To find them, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to reach someone who has access to this information. (Note: It is not possible to use these cots if you’re simply choosing to stay the night at the airport and your flight hasn’t been delayed. You also cannot reserve cots in advance.)
Showers
Unfortunately, there are no showers available to freshen up.
Food & Drink
Have the midnight munchies? Need a coffee to stay awake? Unfortunately, Covid has closed the 24-hour options, but you may find concessions that are open *almost* 24-hours; for example, McDonalds (A Gates, Center Core) is closed from 3:00AM – 4:30AM.
Hotels
Prefer some privacy and comfort? If you would like a good solid sleep between flights, a hotel is available. The Westin Hotel is connected to the main Jeppesen Terminal, though you will have to exit Security to reach it and re-enter for your flight. Additional nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations or visit Tripadvisor to find hotels deals at Denver Airport.
Lounges
Denver Airport has a few lounges, but none have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you just want to relax in a comfortable seat, check out this list of lounges in our Denver Airport Guide that you can pay to access.
Security & Safety
Overall, airport staff and security guards tolerate the many overnight sleepers.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Denver Airport. As a precaution, here are a few tips to ensure you have a safe airport sleeping experience:
- Know Where Security is Located. Whether you are sleeping in the airport alone or with friends, it is good to know where security is. Know where their office is located and look for video cameras where you decide to stay the night. Ask security where it is safe to spend the night. They’ve probably seen many airport sleepers before you, and they will direct you to a safe spot.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you are travelling alone, we recommend that you sleep near other travellers or close to security.
- Hide Your Valuables. Don’t leave all your mobile devices out in plain view. We have received reports from people who woke up with only earphones and a laptop bag strap, but without the iPods or laptops that were attached. The same goes for important documents and money. Keep these secure on your body so no one can get them without waking you up.
- Secure Your Bags. If you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something. If your bags have zippers turn the bag upside down (zippers to the floor) or sleep with your bag up against the wall so that it would be hard for someone to access it.
- Choose to Stay Alert. If you don’t feel safe, drink coffee, stay alert, and stay awake. You can always sleep on the plane!
Pro-tip: If you are sleeping in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds waking people up as travellers begin to arrive for morning flights.
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